Evolving disciplinary knowledge and curriculum literacies: Translating new knowledge into the 'languages' of the biology classroom

Author(s)
Chan, Eveline
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
This paper draws on research that takes the teaching and learning of new life science topics as a case of special interest - the proliferation of new information and technologies in the field of genetics represents an evolving body of knowledge with social and environmental significance. In this session, I explore how SFL-MDA concepts and tools can contribute to an understanding of the pedagogical translations of such knowledge through the literate practices of the senior Biology classroom in: re-presenting science, doing science, talking science, and writing science. The data samples presented are taken from a research project investigating teachers' use of digital and multimodal representations of new life science concepts in senior Biology classrooms. Video recordings of lessons across a unit of work, teacher interviews, student work samples, and student pre-test and post-test data were gathered from participating government and independent schools across the Sydney region. The analyses demonstrate how disciplinary knowledge is mediated by subject-specific literate practices as teachers and students connect conceptual understanding with practical application via multiple semiotic modes.
Citation
Australian Systemic Functional Linguistics Association National Conference Abstracts, p. 2-2
Link
Language
en
Publisher
University of New England
Title
Evolving disciplinary knowledge and curriculum literacies: Translating new knowledge into the 'languages' of the biology classroom
Type of document
Conference Publication
Entity Type
Publication

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